Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters at the Royal Ballet and Opera

Following his 50th birthday celebrations in 2023, Director Carlos Acosta returns to the Royal Opera House stage with Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters. We're delighted that this diverse programme of classical and contemporary works features BRB dancers and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Music Director Paul Murphy.

The evening opens with Carlos performing José Limón’s The Moor’s Pavane for the first time in his career, alongside BRB Principal Dancers Beatrice Parma, Max Maslen and Miki Mizutani. The Moor's Pavane is considered to be one of the great masterworks in the modern repertory. Using the form of a Renaissance dance, Limón distils the story of Othello into a taut, one-act human drama with music by Henry Purcell.

Carlos then joins First Soloist Enrique Bejarano Vidal, Beatrice Parma and guest dancers from Acosta Danza to appear in his Nutcracker in Havana Suite for the first time. A fresh and bold interpretation of a much-loved classic and a celebration of the essence of Cuba, Carlos’s Nutcracker in Havana Suite is a melting pot of classical, Latin and contemporary styles, infused with a unique sense of magic and Cuban heart. Carlos joins Acosta Danza to perform his creation for the first time.

First Soloist Katherine Ochoa and Soloist Yasiel Hodelín Bello perform Agrippina Vaganova’s Diana and Actaeon pas de deux. Originating in Petipa's La Esmeralda, which premiered in 1935, the virtuosic duet recounts the moment when the mythical Goddess Diana and the mortal hunter meet. It is most notable for the dazzling technical virtuosity required of the dancers.

These three works are performed to live music by our orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Music Director Paul Murphy.

Carlos returns to the stage with Amisaday Naara, Principal Dancer of Acosta Danza, to perform Nosotros by Raúl Reinoso and Beatriz García, accompanied by a live pianist and cellist on stage. An exploration of the dynamic between two lovers, Nosotros traces the mismatches and coincidences, the frustrations and luminescence of their relationship.

The evening culminates in a barnstorming revival of Christopher Bruce’s iconic Rooster with Acosta Danza, featuring Carlos in the lead role. Rooster is Christopher Bruce’s riotous celebration of music by The Rolling Stones, featuring preening cockerels that symbolise stylish but chauvinistic young men. Women observe with ironic amusement as the men strut and posture, resulting in a thrillingly entertaining battle of the sexes set to tracks including Ruby Tuesday, Sympathy for the Devil and, of course, Little Red Rooster, among others.

This limited run is not to be missed. Performances run from 5 - 9 August.